Unintentional Injuries

Why be concerned about childhood injuries?

• Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death among children (ages 1-19).
• Unintentional injuries cause teo-thirds of injury deaths in the U.S.
• Most injuries are preventable.
• Injuries don’t just affect the individual; they are also stressful for families and friends.
• Injuries can reduce quality of life.
• Injuries can be expensive. In 1996, unintentional injuries cost $14 billion in lifetime medical spending.

Healthy People 2010 Objectives related to unintentional injuries

Who is at risk for unintentional injuries?

Where do unintentional injuries happen?

What can be done to prevent unintentional injuries?

What happens after an injury happens? How are injuries managed?

Evidence and Evidence-based Practice and Research on unintentional injuries

Get National and State Data

Get involved! Why local action and parent involvement are important.  Parent awareness is key:

• Most injuries can be prevented
• Medical help may not be readily available when an injury occurs.

Additional Links and Resources:

• American Academy of Pediatrics

• American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), WISQARS® Injury Mortality Reports.
• Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC)
• Guide to Clinical Preventive Services (ARHQ, US DHHS).
• Injury Prevention Web
• National Highway Traffic Safety Transportation Administration, US Department of Transportation
• National Conference of State Legislatures, Childhood Injury Prevention Laws
• National SAFE KIDS Campaign.

actforhealth@yahoo.com

Site developed by ORC Macro
Page last updated: 06/15/2006

ACT for Health, Adolescent and Child Targets for Health Foundation, Inc., is an educational and charitable non-profit, non-governmental organization, tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.